McLaren

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      McLaren unveil shiny new 3-in-1 shell for 60th anniversary but F1 fans complain of bizarre Alonso conspiracy

      by

      MCLAREN have unveiled a shiny new three-in-one livery ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix which has left fans gushing over it. The Woking-based Formula One team will don the new look for the Monaco and Spanish GP’s as part of the teams 60th anniversary celebrations.
      Lando Norris will drive the car for the Monaco and Spanish Grands PrixCredit: Getty
      Oscar Piastri described the new look car as ‘incredible’Credit: Splash
      McLaren have produced a 3-in-1 livery for their 60th anniversary celebrationsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Csl44YjoY5F/
      The look combines the liveries of the wins at the 1974 Indianapolis 500, 1984 Monaco GP and Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1995.
      Together, the wins from Johnny Rutherford, Alain Prost and the joint team of JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya in the GTR F1 form motorsport’s “Triple Crown”.
      The blacked-out GTR features in the first third of the livery, which also has Prost’s colour scheme alongside their modern orange.
      Reacting to the reveal, fans appeared to be impressed.
      READ MORE IN F1
      One fan said: “Me? obsessed with this? Yes šŸ˜.”
      A second wrote: “Can we use this livery for the remainder of the year? Please šŸ™šŸ» itā€™s beautiful!”
      “Please keep rest of the year,” pleaded a third.
      A fourth commented: “Should keep this colour.”
      Most read in Motorsport
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, one fan reckons McLaren’s sparing use of the chrome colour is down to Fernando Alonso.
      They wrote: “McLaren really donā€™t want to use the chrome šŸ˜­ cause Alonso won Monaco 2007 with the chrome šŸ˜”.”
      The two-time world champion pipped Lewis Hamilton to the chequered flag when McLaren had their striking chrome and red colour scheme – the last time they were champions.
      Hamilton would go on to win the next year’s race – the last time McLaren won the Grand Prix – as he also secured the first of his seven F1 titles.
      On the new livery, McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said: “Having achieved the greatest accomplishment in motorsport by completing the Triple Crown, we are proud to celebrate the rich history of McLaren Racing with a special livery at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix.
      “In line with our 60th-anniversary celebrations and honouring the legacy of [team founder] Bruce McLaren, the unique livery pays homage to the three victories which form the Triple Crown accolade.”
      Fernando Alonso won the 2007 Monaco GP for McLarenCredit: Reuters
      McLaren also announced the production of five films to tell the stories of their wins in the “Triple Crown”.
      Lando Norris said: “It’s a privilege to be involved in McLaren Racing’s 60th-anniversary celebrations and to combine three iconic race-winning McLaren liveries into one for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix is going to be a special moment for the whole team.
      “McLaren have an impressive record in Monte Carlo and on a personal level to have experienced a podium at the 2021 race [when McLaren ran a special one-off Gulf livery] was a huge honour.
      “We’ll be racing hard in a great-looking car to celebrate Bruce McLaren and the team’s amazing legacy.”
      Team-mate Oscar Piastri added: “The Triple Crown livery looks incredible, and I can’t imagine a better way to experience my first Monaco Grand Prix as a Formula 1 driver with McLaren Racing.
      Read More on The Sun
      “Bruce McLaren was a winner in Monte Carlo in 1962 and the McLaren team have such rich history at the Monaco Grand Prix.
      “I will feel incredibly proud lining up on the grid in the MCL60, carrying the same colours as the three Triple Crown-winning race cars.”
      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 star Lando Norris receives incredible Ā£280,000 custom McLaren 765LT supercar that he designed after 18-month wait

      by

      LANDO NORRIS has taken delivery of his new McLaren 765LT – worth over Ā£280,000.The F1 ace has been waiting 18-months for the customised version of the 205mph rocket.
      Lando Norris collected his custom-made McLarenCredit: Supplied
      The blue supercar is worth Ā£280,000Credit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      He gave fans a tour of the car on the McLaren YouTube channelCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris took it for a drive after an 18-month waitCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris, 23, enlisted the help of MSO, McLaren’s bespoke design division, to make the limited-edition vehicle completely unique.
      He said: “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens but this is the first car that I’ve designed; this is me in a car.
      “I’m a carbon lover, the more carbon I can have, the better but I didn’t want to have my logo everywhere, I wanted something a bit more subtle and MSO has done a fantastic job to realise my vision.”
      Norris’ special tweaks include a one-off blue gloss carbon fibre exterior and brake calipers painted in the same yellow as his crash helmet.
      READ MORE ON F1
      The colour is also on the doors in the form of four stripes, four being his F1 racing number.
      He has his initials stitched into the headrests and there is a plaque that has his name on it.
      Norris didn’t want his name or brand all over the car, but his logo is on the driver’s seat and there are signatures from him and key manufacturers under the bonnet.
      The Brit then cruised out of the McLaren garage for a test drive.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Norris currently sits ninth in the driver standings after five races this season.
      His best ever finish in a F1 campaign came in 2021 when he finished sixth.
      He has been on the podium on six occasions but awaits his first win.
      Lando Norris has been given the keys to his specially made vehicleCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Norris’ car has four stripes on it representing his F1 numberCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      He looked thrilled with the finished productCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      Signatures are seen on the underside of the bonnetCredit: YouTube / McLaren Automotive
      [embedded content] More

    • 288 Shares179 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 fans brand Red Bullā€™s one-off livery for Miami GP ā€˜mehā€™ ā€“ and they also fear it could end in disaster on track

      by

      RED BULL have revealed a colourful one-off livery for the Miami Grand Prix – but some fans are fearing they could be hit by an F1 curse. The championship leaders have enjoyed a comfortable start to the season with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez clocking up two wins each from the four races.
      Red Bull’s usual livery – as seen in last week’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix – is set to undergo some changesCredit: AP
      Fans have not been left particularly excited by the blue and pink stripes added along the sideCredit: Twitter@FastestPitStop
      Verstappen is looking to make it three driver’s championships in a row as Ferrari and Mercedes continue to flounder.
      Up next for the team is the second running of the Miami Grand Prix which the Dutchman won last year.
      And Red Bull will be running a special livery to mark the American race.
      The paintwork of the car has not seen sweeping changes but has seen colourful stripes added along the side.

      A light blue strip now runs along the length of the car while a pink strip runs alongside the front.
      It is only a tinker to the livery and fans have been left underwhelmed by the minor changes.
      One fan said: “Are those two stripes the only thing that changed?”
      Another said: “That’s it???”
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      While one simply declared: “Meh.”
      And an even more disapproving fan simply said: “Ugh.”
      F1 watchers have already picked up on Red Bull’s unwillingness to venture too far from their famous colour scheme.
      The only time in recent memory when Red Bull have done something completely different was in the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix.
      In a tribute to outgoing engine partner Honda, the team unveiled a stunning all-white livery.
      Verstappen and Perez finished second and third in the wet-dry race that day, avoiding the F1 curse that has afflicted some teams who run different designs.
      Red Bull’s last one-off special livery at the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix was far more eye-catchingCredit: Reuters
      The most famous example is the 2019 German Grand Prix when a dominant Mercedes team had a nightmare.
      Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed in the infamous wet race, with Hamilton also having to endure a 50-second long pit stop after chaos and confusion reigned in the Mercedes garage.
      Daniel Ricciardo was also lapped by his own teammate at the Monaco race in 2021 when McLaren had a new paintjob, while Sebastian Vettel finished 3rd-last in the chaotic Tuscan Grand Prix of 2020 when Ferrari employed a darker red livery.
      Read More on The Sun
      Referencing the curse, one fan said of Red Bull’s new design: “As usual, ‘special livery’ means DNFs [race retirements].” More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lando Norris was born into wealth with dad worth Ā£205m, is an F1 star, but split with model Luisinha Oliveira

      by

      LANDO NORRIS is fast-becoming the poster boy of F1.The British-born driver, 23, was in the points at the Melbourne Grand Prix, and will be looking to add to his tally in the Drivers Championship in Azerbaijan this Sunday.
      Lando Norris was shot by Vanity Fair for a fashion magazine spreadCredit: Nick Riley Bentham/Vanity Fair
      Norris is the rising star of F1 and is tipped for more successCredit: Rex
      His talents, and boyish good looks, were recognised by fashion bible Vanity Fair, who had him front and centre of a glossy photoshoot with fellow drivers, Daniel Ricciardo, George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
      He was born in Bristol to wealthy dad Adam – who amassed a Ā£205million fortune – and mum Cisca from Belgium.
      His professional life seemingly knows no bounds, although his love life suffered a set back when it was announced he had split with stunning Luisinha Oliveira – a Portuguese model who accompanied him to the Brit Awards last year.
      Idolised Valentino Rossi
      Norris was raised in South-West England, attending school in Somerset.
      Read more F1 news
      However, he left without sitting his GCSEs and later studied physics and maths with the help of a personal tutor.
      His burning desire was to follow in the footsteps of Valentino Rossi, as he developed a love of motorsport.
      But when his father took him to watch a round of the Super 1 National Kart Championships, he was hooked on four wheel racing.
      Most read in Motorsport
      Like many F1 drivers, a sport for the rich and famous, Norris grew up affluently.
      Dad Adam amassed a personal wealth of Ā£205million after selling his successful pensions advising company.
      Today, he continues to build on his success with his investment group, HoratioĀ Investments Ltd and in 2016 was 18th in the Bristol Rich List.
      Big break
      Karting was the making of Norris. In 2013, he won the CIK-FIA Karting European Championship and the WSK Euro Series in the KFJ class, while, in 2014, he gained the most prestigious title, the CIK-FIA Karting World Championship in the main KF category.
      With a natural flair for winning, he followed up that success in more powerful vehicles – landing theĀ MSA Formula championshipĀ in 2015, and theĀ Toyota Racing Series,Ā Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0Ā and Formula Renault 2.0 Northern European CupĀ in 2016.
      It made McLaren take note. He signed a junior driver contract in 2017, and could scarcely believe his achievement.
      “I never knew (I could make it),” he told Autocar.
      “Even in F2, I never went ā€˜Iā€™ve got this, 100 per cent, I can do thisā€™. You always have a bit of doubt. But the biggest thing was joining McLaren, and my first test in Hungary.”
      He set the second fastest lap in the second day of testing at theĀ Hungaroring.
      Adam Norris is Lando’s dad, who has amassed a Ā£205million fortuneCredit: Alamy
      Like many F1 stars, Norris got his grounding in go kartingCredit: Alamy
      In 2019 Norris made his F1 debut at the Australian GP and became youngest ever British driverCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Two years later, he would partner Carlos Sainz Jr as a McLaren driver in the World Championship.
      Making his debut in the Australian Grand Prix, he would become Britain’s youngest ever F1 driver at 19 years, four months and four days old.
      His debut campaign, finishing eleventh, was enough to convince McLaren Norris was their future.
      Success story
      It was in 2021 where Norris really kicked on.
      At one point, it appeared he would challenge for the title after finishing fourth in the British Grand Prix.
      It moved him into third place in the drivers’ championship.
      Although he faded away in the remaining eight races, he did record four podium finishes in his first 14.
      His highest position – second at the Italian Grand Prix secured the top two positions for McLaren with Daniel Ricciardo eventually winning the race.
      Norris finished sixth in the drivers’ championship in the end, which convinced McLaren to offer him another deal.
      Last season, Norris earned four podium finishesCredit: Rex
      Norris signed a four-year contract worth Ā£80m with McLarenCredit: Splash
      Interestingly, only Max Verstappen has a longer contract in the sport at the moment – with Norris inking a four-year contract worth a staggering Ā£80million.
      But still, he lives frivolously.
      Free ride
      Astonishingly, for someone so wealthy Norris doesn’t actually own a car.
      As is one of the perks of the job, McLaren has loaned him several over the years.
      Speaking to Scott Mills and Chris Stark on their BBC Sounds podcast, however, he confessed his not materialistic.
      Lando said: “I don’t own many things. I’ve not really treated myself.”
      Famously, Norris lived modestly in Woking before moving in the winter to the millionaire’s playground Monte Carlo.
      ā€œItā€™s something that obviously a lot of drivers go to do, and especially with how racing is – I think youā€™ve seen it with a lot of the drivers, how quickly things can also go downhill,” he revealed.
      ā€œI still have to look after my life and things for my future so thatā€™s why I had to make the decision.
      In 2021 Norris moved to Monte Carlo’s Fontvieille districtCredit: Getty
      Norris doesn’t own a car but is loaned his motors by McLaren
      ā€œI went with my managers and my trainer and we had a little look around a few different apartments and stuff.
      ā€œI was like ā€˜I donā€™t want to be in the same place as Max!ā€™. I donā€™t know where Lewis is? Heā€™s on the opposite sideā€¦ I donā€™t know anybody else over there.
      ā€œBut Iā€™m around that area in Fontvieille, which is a nice, quiet place.ā€
      Model Ex
      Norris cemented his status as F1’s rising star on the showbiz circuit – where he took the red carpet for the Brit Awards.
      Later, he would join Jamie Winstone on stage to hand out an award to pop superstar Dua Lipa.
      As he rubbed shoulders with music glitterati, alongside him stood his beautiful former girlfriend, Luisinha.
      A month earlier, he confirmed his romance with the fashion model on social media during a trip to Dubai.
      Read More on The Sun
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Portuguese model Luisinha Oliveira used to date Norris
      Norris and Oliveira shared an intimate moment together on social media in 2022
      Norris and Oliveira attended the Brit Awards together – but their romance didn’t lastCredit: Instagram @luisinhaoliveira99
      Sharing a photo of them kissing in the desert, he captioned the post “my sunshine”.
      Sadly, the pair called time on their romance at the tail-end of last year, and he is officially single. As F1’s most eligible bachelor, expect there to be plenty of takers. More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      How the 2024 F1 grid could line up with NO Lewis Hamilton, fresh face at Mercedes and new team-mate for Max Verstappen

      by

      THE Formula One grid in 2024 could look hugely different to what it does now. There are a number of teams who have drivers with expiring contracts.
      Lewis Hamilton may have retired by the start of the 2024 seasonCredit: Getty
      While Sergio Perez may seal a shock move elsewhereCredit: Getty
      It is also not out of the realms of possibility for a team to pick up a driver from an underperforming team.
      So with that in mind, how might the grid look by the start of the 2024 season?
      Red Bull – Verstappen and Tsunoda
      The first big shock would come at Red Bull, where Max Verstappen could be joined by a surprise new team-mate in Yuki Tsunoda.
      A recent report suggested Christian Horner was considering promoting Tsunoda from sister team AlphaTauri.
      READ MORE IN F1
      This would naturally lead to Perez’s departure, despite having a contract running to 2024.
      The current relationship between Verstappen and Perez has grown increasingly tense, with the latest from it seeing Verstappen snatch the fastest lap point away from an unhappy Perez in Saudi Arabia.
      Mercedes – Russell and Norris
      In the event Lewis Hamilton decides he has had enough of F1 and decides to allow his contract to expire at the end of the season, Mercedes will need some very capable hands to take his seat.
      There are fewer drivers more capable than McLaren’s Lando Norris, and with his team’s current underperformance, he may be tempted to try and grab a more competitive seat.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Indeed, despite being in an inferior car, Norris was the only driver outside of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari to score a podium in 2022 and break the 100-point mark.
      Despite reports suggesting his contract extension with McLaren could pose difficulties, with Norris the Brackley-based team would keep their all-British line-up as he partners George Russell.
      Ferrari – Leclerc and Sainz
      Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have contracts which run until 2024 and both are performing well despite the team’s performance and reliability issues.
      It is difficult to see any changes coming for the Scuderia before next season.
      Aston Martin – Alonso and Stroll
      In a similar sense to Ferrari, both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll are unlikely to leave Aston Martin.
      Alonso has scored three back-to-back podiums this season, and Stroll’s dad Lawrence is the owner of the team. And he is desperate to give his son a car capable of winning titles.
      McLaren – Piastri and Perez
      With Norris gone, McLaren chief Zak Brown could bring Perez back to McLaren for a chance at redemption.
      Perez replaced Hamilton in 2013, but flopped as he was slammed by team-mate Jenson Button for his “unnecessary” aggressiveness.
      However, with a more mature mindset and far more experience under his belt, Perez could be brought back to ensure McLaren maintains a competitive edge over the rest of the midfield.
      Perez was always a consistent performer when with midfield teams as well.
      Alpine – Ocon and Gasly
      Despite having a less-than-desirable relationship in the past, both Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly will likely remain at Alpin for the 2024 season.
      Both have contracts running until 2024, and a French team with two French drivers would be expected to keep the line up barring an exceptional change in stance between now and the season’s end.
      Haas – Hulkenberg and Ricciardo
      Despite rejecting a seat with the team for this year, team principal Guenther Steiner has remained optimistic about potentially landing Daniel Ricciardo.
      He previously said: ā€œEverybody is wanting to speak with Danny after a year off.”
      Ricciardo would be partnering former Renault team-mate Nico Hulkenberg – with the pair shooting to fame on Drive to Survive – as Kevin Magnussen’s replacement.
      The Dane has one year left on his current deal and could be in line for an extension if he performs well, but a big name like Ricciardo may be too tempting to turn down for Haas.

      Complete F1 2023 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix this year
      Alfa Romeo – Bottas and Pouchaire
      If Alfa Romeo opts to drop out-of-contract Zhou Guanyu at the end of the season then their likely replacement will be Theo Pourchaire.
      The Frenchman was second in the F2 championship last year, and is once again sitting in second in the junior formula this year.
      The 19-year-old would represent the natural next choice given how he is already the team’s current reserve driver.
      Valtteri Bottas has a deal running until 2025, so the Finn is not likely to be moving on anytime soon.
      AlphaTauri – De Vries and Iwasa
      Japanese driver Ayumu Iwasa currently leads the F2 championship and is next in line to be given an F1 nod by Red Bull.
      This is likely to see him head to AlphaTauri, where Red Bull send their up-and-coming stars to give them handy experience before potentially making the step up to the main team, as seen with Alex Albon and Gasly.
      Nyck de Vries has a contract running until 2024.
      Therefore, like Bottas he is unlikely to be heading elsewhere before next season.
      Williams – Albon and Schumacher
      Albon could have ANOTHER new team-mate at Williams by the start of 2024 with Mick Schumacher making his return to the F1 grid.
      Schumacher is the current reserve driver at Mercedes, and with Williams using the Mercedes engine it may give them a way to strengthen their relationship further.
      Read More on The Sun
      Schumacher was dropped by Haas after a poor showing in his first two seasons. And in a similar sense the same may happen to rookie Logan Sargeant.
      The American has a one-year contract at the team and unless he performs well he could be cut in favour of Schumacher, who has said it is his “goal” to return to the grid in 2024. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      Fernando Alonso reveals biggest ever F1 rival as two-time world champ snubs Lewis Hamilton despite epic McLaren battles

      by

      FERNANDO ALONSO singled out Formula One legend Michael Schumacher as his greatest ever rival.Alonso snubbed famous foe Sir Lewis Hamilton, with whom he had such an intense feud when they were team-mates at McLaren for one season in 2007 that he quit the team.
      Alonso snubbed Sir Lewis Hamilton when naming his greatest ever rivalCredit: Splash
      Marco Alonso named Michael Schumacher as his fiercest ever rivalCredit: Getty
      The Aston Martin driver has instead opted for Schumacher, whom he beat to the top in 2005 and 2006 to win both of his world titles.
      The 41-year-old admits it is “difficult” to choose his fiercest ever opponent but the Ferrari legend’s dominance in the mid-2000s ranks him above everyone else.
      Alonso told Bang & Olufsen: ā€œIt is difficult to choose one because they were all great rivals and very talented drivers as well.
      “When I came to this sport, Michael Schumacher was dominating the races and everything, probably that fight with him would still be the one I would choose.
      Read More on F1
      “Fighting against Michael was very special, so I would say that.”
      Alonso and Hamilton rekindled their rivalry last year after the crashed at the Belgian Grand Prix.
      The Spaniard put the seven-time world champion on full-blast as he branded him “an idiot”.
      The ex-Renault star also claimed the British great “only knows how to drive and start in first” in a petulant attack.
      Most read in Motorsport
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      But the Mercedes superstar cooled their rift by insisting he is trying to “be a better driver”.
      The 38-year-old then joked on social media that he’d offer Alonso a signed cap as a peace offering.
      Hamilton said: “It’s not a thing for me. It doesn’t change anything, it doesn’t really affect me in the slightest.
      “With the cap it was just a little fun thing. It’s good to have fun sometimes with these things. For me, I am always trying to be a better driver.
      “Also, I know there are a lot of young kids that are following me and it’s important the steps I try to take in my behaviour, so I am always trying to learn and be better.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      McLaren F1 chief Zak Brown calls out Mercedes boss Toto Wolff for Las Vegas BOXING MATCH at Australian GP

      by

      MCLAREN chief Zak Brown has sensationally challenged Toto Wolff to a BOXING MATCH in Las Vegas. Following the chaotic Australian Grand Prix, Brown was in a jubilant mood as Lando Norris and homeboy Oscar Piastri scored their first points of the season.
      Zak Brown has challenged Toto Wolff to a Las Vegas boxing matchCredit: Rex
      Wolff would certainly be a tough opponentCredit: Getty
      And while speaking to Sky Sports, the McLaren CEO issued a challenge towards Red Bull’s Christian Horner and Mercedes chief Wolff.
      He said: “We were talking about racing Christian in Silverstone, because I used to race against Christian.
      “And I’ve talked to Toto about it, we’ll see if he’s up for it.
      “When we go Vegas, what’s Vegas known for? [A] Little boxing match? I’m ready.”
      READ MORE IN F1
      After some laughter from the Sky crew, their boxing nicknames were also formed with Brown being dubbed “Slugger Brown” and Wolff being dubbed “Terminator”.
      Unfortunately, fans would need to wait until November for such an event to take place, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix not until November 18.
      In the meantime, there are more pressing matters at hand for both.
      Mercedes remain some way short of Red Bull’s pace despite a P2 finish from Lewis Hamilton today.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Hamilton himself cast a surprised figure post-race, declaring there was still a long way to go before they would catch Red Bull.
      Meanwhile, McLaren will want to make sure their Australia form carries on for the foreseeable future and that they do not return to their woeful results in the opening two races. More

    • 213 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in ā€˜dreamā€™ Australian GP qualifying as Mercedes pair eye shock F1 win

      by

      MAX VERSTAPPEN clinched pole for the Australian GP while Mercedes were given a huge boost, with George Russell qualifying in second and Lewis Hamilton in third.It was a thrilling session as Verstappen, Hamilton and Fernando Alonso all set provisional poles before the world champion came out on top.
      Lewis Hamilton and George Russell enjoyed a ‘dream’ qualifying sessionCredit: EPA
      However, they were still unable to pip Max Verstappen to poleCredit: EPA
      But it was a nightmare for Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate, Sergio Perez, who will start in LAST PLACE.
      Verstappen, who overcame battery and gear-change problems, took his first pole in Australia and said: “The last run was very good. The whole weekend has been tough but it all worked out in Q3.
      “I think we will have a good race car and it will be a tricky race. I have been on the podium once but I want to be on a different step this time.”
      Russell produced an excellent performance to take second as Mercedes defied the odds after a difficult start to the season.
      READ MORE IN F1
      He said: “We wasn’t expecting that, that’s for sure! There is a lot of hard work going on and the car felt alive.
      “If I am honest, I am a little disappointed that I did not get pole. It shows how quickly things can change.
      “We would have been happy with fourth on Friday but we made some changes and the car felt great.”
      Hamilton, who starts third – alongside Alonso – was denied the chance to go even quicker on his final lap after getting caught in traffic and said his goal is now to “get first”.
      Most read in Motorsport
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      He added: “I am so happy with this! This is totally unexpected. I am really proud of the team and George has done a fantastic job.
      “This is a dream for us. We are all working hard and to be this close to the Red Bull is incredible.
      “I hope we can give them a run for their money. I am super grateful for this position and will look to move forward tomorrow.”
      While Verstappen was P1, it was a shocker for Perez, who spun off in Q1.
      The Mexican, who won the last race in Jeddah, went too quickly into turn three and ended up hitting the wall and being dumped out of qualifying at the first hurdle.
      The session was stopped as his stricken Red Bull was recovered while Perez voiced his frustration to his team over the radio.
      “We need to fix that issue, man,” Perez says. “It was the same f issue again!”
      Williams’ revival continued with Alex Albon qualifying in eighth place after the team showed strong signs of progress in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
      Read More on The Sun
      However, there was more misery for McLaren as their struggles continued with Lando Norris qualifying in 13th and Oscar Piastri in 16th.
      Norris has publicly said he was backing McLaren’s engineering changes but this was another poor showing that will ramp up the pressure on CEO, Zak Brown. More